 RACE EXCITEMENT FOR ILDRA at THE MOURNES 2005 |
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ENDURANCE RACE EXCITEMENT FOR ILDRA.
The Mournes event was run over the week-end 28th – 29th May, and included four different races. In the single-day race category, there were three classes: an 80km (50mile) FEI 2* race; a 120km (75mile) FEI 3* race; and a 120km (75mile) FEI 3*Young Rider race. There was also a two-day 160km (100mile) FEI 3* race. Although the classes attracted a small but dedicated number of
competitors, a much larger group of supporters, crews, marshals, vets,
stewards, officials, land-owners, and other multi-tasking helpers helped
to make the day a success. Ulster branch would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of those people; they know who they are;
because without their dedication no event could have been run. Thanks
also to Norman Dodds whose land and stables were used as the main venue.
The race route covered two basic loops, one that ran through Tollymore Forest, then over bridle paths and farm land to Castlewellan Forest Park and back to the venue. The other loop took in Donard Park and an extended track around Tollymore Forest. At intervals along the route, there were compulsory stops at the venue - these are called Vet Gates. At each Vet Gate the horse must first pass a veterinary check (for soundness, dehydration, heart rate etc.) and then have a compulsory rest period of 30 – 40 minutes. At selected Vet Gates the horses also have to pass a second veterinary check before being allowed out on the course again. This rigorous system of checking means that horses in the early stages of metabolic distress or discomfort can be identified and taken out of the race. Simply finishing a race like this is an enormous achievement. This race was not without its casualties to the Vet Gates. A couple
of horses failed to trot up totally sound and one failed when its heart
rate did not drop quickly enough to be allowed to go on. This is
obviously highly disappointing for the rider, especially if it happens
when nearing the end of a long race. The Final Vetting is carried out
after the end of the Race, and no winner can be declared until the horse
is passed as fit.
The results were as follows: 80km FEI 2* - 1st Helen McFarland on J.st Jake (1 starter) 120km FEI 3* - 1st Philip Giles on Miller’s Light (1 starter) 120km FEI 3* Young Rider – 1st Dawn Leadon-Boldger on Shaka (4 starters) 160km FEI 3* Two Day – 1st George Finlay on Flint, 2nd Maura Murphy on Macey Gray (also won Best Condition), 3rd Yvonne Croke on Dantean, 4th Micheal Griffin on O’Limuru. (6 starters). Congratulations to all who took part and to all those who have now qualified for bigger rides further afield!
Ulster Branch also held Competitive Trail Rides on the second day. The following completed: 50miles - Louisa Miller on Misty; 25miles - Claire Sedgeman on Bedonia, and Dorothy Heath on Schoheen. |
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Seven o’clock on a slightly chilly May morning and everyone in the
field turns to watch. The starter gives the word and they are off – but
this is no ordinary race and these horses are no ordinary horses. There
is no gallop away from the start, in fact, there seems to be no fuss or
flap at all. The group trot away from the venue and every-one returns to
their work. Welcome to the world of Endurance Racing. In Ireland, this
is still a growing sport and as yet there are still only small numbers
riding at this high level. 
ILDRA’s Ulster branch would like to extend their thanks to the race
sponsors; Blue Grass Feeds and Baileys Feeds. Last Update: Sunday October 14, 2007